Environmental Justice Program

What is Environmental Justice?

The principles of environmental justice call for fairness, regardless of race, color, national origin or income, in the development of laws and regulations that affect every community’s natural surroundings, and the places people live, work, play and learn.

California was one of the first states in the nation to codify environmental justice in statute. Beyond the fair treatment called for in code, leaders in the environmental justice movement work to include those individuals disproportionately impacted by pollution in decision making processes. The aim is to lift the unfair burden of pollution from those most vulnerable to its effects.

Environmental Justice Small Grants

The CalEPA Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants are available to help eligible non-profit (501(c)(3) IRS tax designated) community organizations and federally-recognized Tribal governments to address environmental justice issues in areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and hazards.

On December 19, 2018, Agency Secretary Rodriquez announced funding available for the 2019/2020 calendar year. The maximum amount per project is $50,000. The application deadline was March 21, 2019. Applications will no longer be accepted for this 2019 cycle.

This announcement provides notice to applicants and other interested parties that the CalEPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program is currently still reviewing the 2019 applications. We received almost 100 applications which totals approximately $4.4 million in requested funds – the most applications received and the most monies requested in the history of the Program. The application review process will be completed, and awards selected, in June 2019. The performance period initiating the grant term will commence after all applicants are notified regarding their proposals.

CalEnviroScreen Version 3.0

CalEnviroScreen 3.0 is a screening methodology that can be used to help identify California communities that are disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. It is an important tool in meeting CalEPA’s commitment to environmental justice for all.

CalEPA Environmental Justice Task Force

The CalEPA Environmental Justice Task Force (EJ Task Force) operates under CalEPA’s Enforcement Program. It coordinates the compliance and enforcement work of CalEPA’s boards, departments and office in areas of California that are burdened by multiple sources of pollution and are disproportionately vulnerable to its effects. The EJ Task Force develops new initiatives in communities where increased compliance has the potential to have the greatest impact.

Initiative: PomonaIn 2017-2018, the Task Force conducted an initiative focused on the industrial corridor of southeast Pomona and surrounding residential neighborhoods. CalEnviroScreen estimates the total pollution burden of this area is at the 92nd percentile, meaning only 8 percent of areas in California have a higher cumulative pollution burden. For an overview of this initiative, please see the Pomona Initiative Report (PDF, 2.3 MB).

Initiative: OaklandIn 2016-2017, the Task Force conducted an initiative focused on the communities of East and West Oakland. Both communities are overburdened by multiple sources of pollution and high rates of childhood asthma, according to CalEnviroScreen. For an overview of this initiative, please see the Oakland Initiative Report (PDF, 4MB).

Initiative: Los AngelesIn 2015-2016, the Task Force conducted an initiative focused on the Los Angeles communities of Boyle Heights and Pacoima. Both communities are among the top 5 percent of disadvantaged communities in California, according to CalEnviroScreen. For an overview of this initiative, please see the Los Angeles Initiative Report (PDF, 6MB).

Initiative: FresnoIn 2013-2014, the Task Force selected a portion of the city of Fresno and its surrounding unincorporated area for its first initiative, with the goal of increasing compliance with environmental laws in this area. For an overview of this pilot initiative, see the Fresno Initiative Report (PDF, 12MB).